Advancing

Bono's Adventure

Yeah, they hang.  Bill, Bono and Melinda.  Three activists with an iPod.  Time voted them "Persons of the Year."  I found this interview interesting.  A couple quotes from Bono:

1.  On meeting the Gates:

"It was fresh not to be seen as a celebrity but as a piece in the puzzle of how we communicate the jeopardy of all those lives--and the opportunity of helping if we can just agree on something. It was nice not to be asked how the Achtung! Baby sessions went in Berlin."

2.  On his anger regarding injustice:

"I get angry all right--but at myself and our inability to tell the story, to get the news out that this need not be a burden but instead an adventure. But that anger is much more than made up for by the nobility of these people and their entrepreneurial nature. And then you see what a new medicine can do. Three years ago, the idea that nearly half a million Africans would be on antiretrovirals paid for by the U.S.A. was absolutely preposterous. That more than repays the anger."

24 Hours of Christmas

For the last three seasons Deea and I have enjoyed watching Jack Bauer save the world.  Kiefer Sutherland really nailed this role.  A little trivia:

1.  Kiefer's father is another famous Canadian actor, Donald Sutherland.

2.  In the late 90's Kiefer departed from acting and joined the rodeo circuit winning several competitions including the '98 U.S. Team Roping Championships with partner, John English.

All I Want for Xmas is a Revolution

Over the past couple decades the polling industry has faced one primary challenge:  keeping up with the George's.  George Gallop and George Barna have earned the trust of secular and Christian clients respectively.  One of the George's seems to have had an epiphany as of late.  Barna's latest book, Revolution, heralds an impromptu departure from a hugely successful career informing clergy with current statistics and trends within America.  In fact, he's downsized the once mighty Barna Research Group (100 employees) and renamed it simply The Barna Group (8 employees).  "Barna Light" will undoubtedly focus it's attention on what he calls a spiritual "revolution" occuring OUTSIDE of the four walls of traditional, organized religion.  This book is all I wanted for Christmas.  Well...that and world peace.  David Yeubanks, a friend from the Tri-cities, wrote this great review on Amazon.  A podcast blog entitled The God Journey recently dedicated a show to Revolution.  And on November 17th Barna made a guest appearance on TBN.

UPDATE (12-28-05) Kevin Cawley just posted some reviews here and here.

A Radical Sabbatical

The Shermans made some great connections during their stay in Mazatlan.

Tony Dungy's Son Dies at 18

All I'm reading about this tragedy so far is how wonderful this kid was.  Apparently, James Dungy was a YMCA volunteer in the summers and adjusted well while attending North Central High School in Indianapolis.  He died at 18. 

“It is an apparent suicide,” said Dick Bailey, operations manager at the Hillsborough County (Fla.) Medical Examiners Department.“We don’t know the motivation (for the suicide),” Bailey said. He said an autopsy, scheduled for tomorrow, would have to be completed before an official cause of death was announced.

UPDATE (12-28-05):  Found this amazingly relevant post from a man who met Tony recently.

Mentoring: An Important Interview

Adrian Warnock recently interviewed Josh Harris, author/pastor of Covenant Life Church, on being mentored by popular author/pastor, CJ Mahaney.  I'm familiar with Josh because his father, Gregg, has been a home schooling authority for years.  It was Gregg's tape series that put the advantages and challenges of home schooling in perspective for Deea and I.

I was reminded in the interview of the role mentoring plays in Christian discipleship.  I've been fortunate to have been mentored over the last 15+ years by my pastor and good friend, Doug Sherman.  Doug has invested much time and prayer into our relationship.  At times I've wished for something more "apprentice-like."  But Grace Harvest Church is a relatively small church and staff opportunities have been few.  Still, I'll always be grateful to have witnessed consistent Christ-like character modeled first-hand by a truly honorable man of God.  The church needs more of these kinds of relationships. 

SNL: Chronic-les of Narnia Rap

Double true!  Check it out!

Mark Driscoll At WSU

Excerpt from the Introduction of Radical Reformission:

"As I continued to read (the gospels), Jesus seemed okay, but the guys I really liked - because of their self-control and strength - were the denominational leaders of that day:  the Pharisees.  They were about the only guys in the cast of characters with any guts.  I identified with them and was convinced they were the good guys in the story...until they killed Jesus.  I wasn't much of a theologian at the time, but murdering Jesus did seem like a bad move."

The oldest of five kids from a hardworking, blue-collar Catholic family, Mark Driscoll was raised to believe that morally outperforming those below him on the ethical food chain would mean The Jefferson's "movin' on up" theme song would play at the end of his life.  Then everything changed.

Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll

One of my best friends, Frank Martinez , drove up from Portland for a visit a week ago. He happened to have a book, The Radical Reformission in his car (A '96 Toyota Corolla with over 700,000 miles which he bought from me in '97). He picked the book up at a conference hosted by the author, Pastor Mark Driscoll.  I've since become a glutton for Driscoll's online sermons and articles.  Frank knew I loved Mark's stuff so he let me "borrow" RR.  Yeah, right.  Like he'll ever see this book again.  This will be my way to get him back for inviting me to see Brokeback Mountain with him.  (I said NO!...I'm not that kind of cowboy!)

I'm not an intellectual so I won't attempt a critique.  My plan is to post quotes from Reformission, using them as launching pads to journal my own thoughts.  I'll begin with a quote from the introduction in tomorrow's post. 

READ:  A true blog is a great place for conversation!  I'm very interested in your opinion.  Fire away!  Iron sharpens iron and I need all the sharpening I can get.  I'll try to reply to all comments quickly and thoughtfully.  Thanks.

2005 Christmas Letter

My lovely wife, Deea, recently took this great pic (left) of our three favorite gifts.(ok...3 1/2!!!)  She also skillfully pens our Christmas perennials.  This year a gangster motif must have been her muse's fancy.  The woman never ceases to amaze me.  More on her in an upcoming post.  We hope you enjoy these 2005 highlights!  Merry Xmas!

Hawk's Nest

This stadium will host the most exciting Seattle football memories any of us have ever experienced.  This week we travel to Tennessee for a shot at home field advantage in the playoffs!  If we win and the Bears lose it's a done deal.  Click on the pic for a full size peek at Super Bowl glory.  Go Hawks!

Back To A Reason

Many of you are already familiar with the Christmas rock-opera phenominon, Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I recectly posted a video of a house set to music by one of their popular songs, Wizards in Winter.  Click here for TSO's bio. 

I was really touched a couple days ago by a haunting song on the same CD, The Lost Christmas Eve, called Back To A Reason.  The lyrics collided with some of my feelings of loss and hope this holiday season.  Click below for the lyrics. 

Seattle "D" Peaks in Philly

It couldn't have been scripted any better.  Beneath a national spotlight the defense of a truly "different" 2006 Seahawks team quickly dismantled an injury plagued Eagle offense on Monday Night Football, 42-0.

Here's why I'm excited:  Our "D" is going to be jacked up for the rest of the season!  Opportunistic defensive play tends to be streaky.  Yes, the fundamentals still apply.  But momentum feeds itself, whether on the field or in the prayer closet.  It doesn't take much imagination to visualize an excited, hungry defense licking it's chops for yet another opportunity to prove itself this Sunday at Quest Field.  The defense has motivation:

1.  Home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the NFC champion.

2.  A chance to make Seahawk history with a 9th consecutive win.

3.  Continued opportunities to prove that Seattle's defense is for real.

Pray for my friend, Justin Ross, a youth pastor from Oak Harbor, WA.  He'll be taking his youth group to the game.  Pray for opportunities for Justin to share the gospel as they enjoy watching the Hawks vanquish the San Fransisco 49rs!

John Van Deusen at the Noon Moon

Our family was blessed last night with the opportunity to host 18 year old John Van Deusen.  John opened for Late Tuesday, a fantastic Bellingham trio at the Noon Moon Coffee House and Dessert Bar.

What impressed me most about this talented young man's story was the dedication of his father.  Rusty Van Deusen, who also stayed with us, is on the leadership council for North America Indian Ministries.  Until recently he also managed his son's blossoming music career.  Sitting at the kitchen table this morning and then later at the show I had a chance to visit with Rusty about NAIM and John's music.  This father-son team has driven to somewhere between 60 and 70 gigs in the last couple years.  Rusty has decreased allowing his son to increase!  John has benefited greatly from the network of relationships Rusty has built over his long career in youth ministry.

 

Fruit That Remains

(John 15:16) You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain...

Deea (left) and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary on November 26th.  There is a growing sparkle in our eyes as we gaze across a table.

One of the most encouraging aspects of my journey in Christian spirituality has been observing the benefits of decades lived in the presence of God.  It's exciting to watch grace unfolding in the individuals and families we have sojourned with over the years.  As a "tribe" we're beginning to see some of the first fruits of a new generation of faith.  Grace Harvest Church is only 18 years old.  How encouraging it is to see young adults, like arrows, poised and ready for the Archer's bidding.(Ps. 127:4)   

On a more personal note our daughter, Cassia (right), just turned 16 on November 29th.  We all enjoyed celebrating with this beautiful young lady, recently blessed with a set of wheels by her grandfather.  (Preemptive warning to all Moses Lake area residents!!!)  The previous evening her mother and I took her to a local coffee house (both pics) for hot cocoa and a gift.  It's been an amazing journey watching this 16 year old grow in wisdom and stature.  Deea and I marvel at the grace and mercy of God! 

After 30+ years of walking this earth many would say I have little to show for it.  I'm a car salesman, a man of humble occupation.  I have no college degree.  We chose to homeschool our three kids so we live off one income.  No big house.  Older used cars.  Paycheck to paycheck.  You get the picture.

Yet I'm so rich.  I feel rich every morning when I realize I've been given another day.  I feel like "Mr. Money Bags" when I look at our investments, 3 beautiful, vibrant, thoughtful kids.  I'm rich because this fruit will remain long after I'm gone.  Our family is storing up treasure in heaven.  (Matt 6:20) 

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ isn't a "walk in the park."  It's a free gift that will cost you everything.  And the eternal treasure of knowing Jesus is worth the price of admission.  If you've yet to receive by faith the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ I invite you to do so today.  If you have received him be encouraged in the reality that he continues to offer Himself to us every Christmas season.  What a gift!  A gift to be unwrapped today!

 

Salt Lake: City of Lights by Thomas Kincaid

A Christmas greeting to every visiter this Holiday Season.  You are loved.